Which practices are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in crop production?

Efficient fertilizer use and crop rotation are effective practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in crop production due to several key reasons.

Efficient fertilizer use minimizes the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizers applied, which can lead to reduced nitrous oxide emissions—one of the significant greenhouse gases associated with agricultural practices. By implementing precision agriculture techniques, farmers can apply fertilizers more accurately to meet crop needs at the right time, which further diminishes the risk of excess runoff that contributes to environmental degradation.

Crop rotation enhances soil health and fertility, reducing the need for chemical inputs. Different crops have varying nutrient requirements and pest management strategies. By rotating them, soil nutrients are better utilized, leading to an overall reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers. Healthier soils also store more carbon, which contributes to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, increasing tillage and applying more fertilizers would likely result in higher emissions due to soil disturbance and increased fertilizer application. Planting trees in uncontrolled areas, while beneficial for carbon sequestration, does not directly impact agricultural practices in a structured way that targets greenhouse gas reductions effectively. Limiting irrigation to dry seasons could potentially lead to water stress, adversely affecting crop yields and resilience, and does not directly address emission reductions.

The adoption of efficient fertilizer